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Environmental Groups Demand Halt to New Data Centers
20 Jan
Summary
- Over 230 groups seek ban on new US data center construction.
- Soaring energy prices and water usage are major concerns.
- AI data centers may consume 6.4 trillion gallons of water by 2027.
A significant movement, comprising more than 230 environmental organizations, is advocating for an immediate halt to the construction of new data centers across the United States. This nationwide call for a moratorium arises from escalating concerns about the immense energy and water demands driven by the burgeoning AI industry.
These groups highlight that the proliferation of data centers is contributing to a 13% average increase in energy prices nationwide. Furthermore, power companies are increasingly turning to fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal to meet this demand. By 2027, AI data centers are projected to consume an astonishing 6.4 trillion gallons of water annually, placing severe strain on communities' water resources.
The organizations have expressed alarm over the "rapid, largely unregulated rise of data centers to fuel the AI and crypto frenzy," warning of disruptions to communities and threats to economic, environmental, climate, and water security. This opposition signifies a growing public scrutiny of the technology sector's environmental footprint and its resource consumption.
